How to Style an Oversized Hoodie? | Style Guide
The oversized hoodie isn’t just a hoodie that’s eaten too many carbs. It’s a statement. A shrug at formality. The fashion equivalent of saying, “Yeah, I’m comfortable.”
Once reserved for lazy Sundays and dodgy petrol station runs, the oversized hoodie has gone big-time. Wear it right and you’ll look effortlessly cool. Wear it wrong and you’ll look like you’re about to busk for spare change. So, how do you pull it off? That’s what we’re here for.
What is an oversized hoodie?
You know what a hoodie is — you weren’t raised in a cult, closed off to the outside world, whose main reason for existence was to raise its members in a world in which hoodies have never existed, to the point that anyone born into the cult can’t even imagine what a hoodie might be. Or maybe you were, in which case you’re in for a hell of a ride — imagine a sweatshirt with a hood…
Oversized hoodies are a little different to your standard hoodie, and they’re pretty cool right now.
Oversized hoodie outfits
If you are of humble height or if you’re a broad person, you might want to avoid pairing baggy trousers (shoutout 'Madness') with your oversized hoodie, purely because this combination is going to make you look extra broad and perhaps a little shorter — unless that’s the look you’re going for, in which case go for it. If you’re a relatively tall fella, you don’t need to worry about this so much. We’d recommend a nice pair of shorts or straight/slim leg trousers or track pants on your bottom half. Footwear is totally dependent on your surroundings. Trainers (and you can wear your chunkiest trainers with an oversized hoodie) for leisure, perhaps a high-top or ankle boot for meeting pals, or even a smart shoe if you’re layering with a blazer.
How do oversized hoodies fit?
They’re just hoodies but a few sizes bigger, right? WRONG! You idiot. Sorry. Didn’t mean to call you an idiot — tiger got out of the cage for a second. Men’s oversized hoodies are baggy, sometimes they’re chunky, but they’re gonna be cut to the right length i.e. you shouldn’t have to roll up the sleeves or alter the wrist cuffs, and they shouldn’t be hanging around your knees like a dress or Ebeneezer Scrooge’s nightgown. No life-changing, ghostly midnight visits for you, no, sir, just baggy comfort.
What size should you buy an oversized hoodie?
Most oversized hoodies are a size or two bigger than regular hoodies, except for in the sleeve length and the cut of the waist (as mentioned earlier). If you’re buying an oversized hoodie, don’t buy a few sizes up, though — simply buy your usual size and the oversizing will be done for you in all the right places. You wouldn’t be the first to fall into that trap, and you wouldn’t be the last, but don’t let it be you.
How heavy are oversized hoodies?
How heavy is a piece of string? That’s what your dad would say. But we know what you mean — generally speaking, they’re going to be slightly heavier than regular hoodies due to them, by definition, consisting of more material, and the fact they’re sometimes made with a slightly heavier or chunkier material (which helps with the silhouette of the hoodie). Don’t worry, though. It’s not like you’re going to be walking around in armour and chainmail — if anything, it might help your oversized hoodie feel more like a comforting hug, like those weighted duvets you can get to stop you getting up in the middle of the night, turning into a bat, flying out of your bedroom window and feasting on the blood of your victims. That’s what they’re for, aren’t they? Those duvets? Aren’t they…?
Do oversized hoodies look good?
Yep. We wouldn’t be making them if they didn’t. You’ve got to know what you’re doing though. You can’t just pair them with anything and think, right, well, I look class now, that’s that sorted. No. If only life were that easy. Read on for tips.
How are regular hoodies different?
They fit a bit closer to your body, basically. Sometimes they’re made of a slightly lighter material. Same concept, closer fit.
What to wear with an oversized hoodie?
You have options. On your top half you could wear the hoodie by itself, taking advantage of that extra space and airflow. You could keep it classic and stick to a plainish tee underneath. To add interest to your silhouette you could layer an oversized hoodie underneath a denim jacket or an overshirt. For a touch of formality, you can layer an oversized hoodie underneath a blazer, pairing with a more tailored trouser.
